Here is a flexible approach to teacher training offering stackable credentials through the community college. The idea is to graduate a diverse group of new teachers with roots in underserved communities hopefully making a big difference in student success rates at neighborhood schools in low income areas. The students in the teacher training programs graduate with little college debt and advanced certifications and a bachelor’s degree.
This fall, Highline College will become one of four state community colleges to offer students the opportunity to earn a teaching certificate — and because Highline’s enrollment is so diverse, the college’s leaders hope it could help increase the number of teachers of color in neighboring schools.
As Washington State looks to to provide more equitable funding and learning for all students, this model reduces college costs for teacher training and leads to better learning outcomes for learners in low income neighborhoods.